Pageant show suits Univision

By RICHARD HUFF DAILY NEWS TV EDITOR

'Belleza Latina' host Giselle Blondett (l.) with Barbara Bermudo, who'll host red-carpet show leading to pageant. Look out, "Miss America"! Next season, Univision will launch a reality show, "Belleza Latina," which will blend a reality show with a beauty pageant. "Beauty pageants are a staple of Latin culture," "Belleza Latina" host Giselle Blondett said. "But viewers want to get to know the women behind the sash." And will they. The contest will gather "the most gorgeous Latin women in the U.S. in a fierce competition," according to the network's description of the show, which will air on weekends. Ironically, for years, the folks who run the "Miss America" pageant have tried to boost the audience for the fading concept by adding reality twists. "Belleza Latina" is one of two new entertainment programs being added to Univision's weekend lineup in the fall, it was revealed yesterday. The other, "Cantando por Un Sueño," is a spinoff of last season's "Bailando por un Sueño," which itself was similar to "Dancing With the Stars." This season, rather than dancing, contestants will sing. They'll be paired with real celebrity singers, who will coach them to perform on television. The twist, however, is that the people are competing not for the spotlight but to reach their goals, which are usually to help a family member. Aside from the reality fare, the network will add four new prime-time novelas, according to Alina Falcon, Univision's executive vice president. "Nobody does more top-rated prime time telenovelas than Univision," said Falcon, noting the trend with English-langage networks attempting to get into the novela business. "Our success does not lie in a format, but in unique cultural connections." Coming next season are: "Heridas de Amor," the story of a love-hate relationship set against bitter rivalries, family disarray and financial ruin. "Duelo de Pasiones," a series filmed on a coffee plantation in Mexico. "La Verdad Oculta," a tale of a wrongfully imprisoned ex-con and a beautiful woman who may or may not aid him. "La Fea Más Bella," which is billed as a nontraditional novela about a girl who goes from being the "ugly duckling to a lovely swan." Univision will also add a family sitcom "Qué Madre, Tan Padre," about a father who loses his job and must stay at home with the kids while Mom goes to work. There will also be a new game show, "Buenas Tardes," in which five families face off in a series of competitions. And on Nov. 2, Univision will air the Latin Grammys, which will emanate live from New York. "Primer Impacto" co-anchor Barbara Bermudo will host a red-carpet show leading up to the big event. Originally published on May 18, 2006 Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/418587p-353530c.html

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